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Thuja occidentalis ‘Teddy’ (American Arborvitae)

Teddy Arborvitae, American Arborvitae 'Teddy', Eastern White Cedar 'Teddy', Northern White Cedar 'Teddy'

Thuja Occidentalis 'Teddy', Teddy Arborvitae, White Cedar Teddy, Northern White Cedar Teddy, Swamp Cedar Teddy

Thuja occidentalis ‘Teddy’ is a delightful, miniature evergreen shrub, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy and texture to the landscape. Its adaptability and easy-care nature make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Thuja occidentalis ‘Teddy’: An In-depth Look

Thuja occidentalis ‘Teddy’ is a charming and compact cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae, admired for its unique texture and size. It is distinguished by its soft, fine-textured foliage that gives it a plush, teddy bear-like appearance. The foliage is a lush blue-green, and the plant maintains a compact, globular shape.

Native: Thuja occidentalis is native to North America. It is predominantly found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This species naturally occurs in wet forests, swamps, and along lake shores, thriving in cool, moist, well-drained environments.

Plant Type and Habit: It is an evergreen conifer with a dense, rounded, and dwarf growth habit. ‘Teddy’ is perfect for small spaces and detailed garden designs.

Size: ‘Teddy’ is a slow-growing miniature variety, typically reaching only about 10-18 inches in height and width (25-45 cm). Its diminutive size makes it ideal for use in confined spaces.

Foliage: The foliage is a vibrant blue-green, fine, and soft to the touch, creating a unique visual and tactile experience.

Bark: The bark is reddish-brown, relatively smooth, and becomes more textured with age.

Uses: Perfect for rock gardens, container plantings, small gardens, and as a border or accent plant. Its small size and attractive form make it a popular choice for detailed landscape work.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 2-7, it can withstand cold winters and a range of environmental conditions.

Wildlife: American arborvitae provides nesting sites for songbirds, as well as cover, especially in the winter, for deer, which both feed on the branches and use them for shelter from the cold.

Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals.

Deer and Rabbit: May suffer some damage from deer and rabbits, especially in areas where these animals are prevalent.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not considered invasive and typically stays within its planted boundaries.

Benefits: Offers a unique aesthetic appeal, especially in small gardens or detailed landscaping projects. It is easy to maintain and can be a delightful addition to various garden settings.

American Arborvitae Growing Tips

Light: Thrives in full sun but can also grow well in partial shade. Full sun exposure leads to denser foliage growth. Usually appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Protect from drying winds, especially when young.

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Tolerates clay soils.

Water: Regular watering is important, especially for young plants and in dry conditions. Avoid extreme dry soil in the fall, which can cause the evergreen foliage to dry out in winter.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so follow the recommended rates.

Pruning: Little to no pruning is required. Prune for shaping or size control in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning.

Mulch: Provide a generous root zone mulch.

Propagation: Propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for bagworms, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Leaf tips may suffer damage from leaf miners. Canker can sometimes pose a problem. Fungal diseases like root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Good air circulation and proper planting depth help prevent these issues.

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Conifers, Shrubs
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Thuja
Common names American Arborvitae, Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, Eastern White Cedar
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 10" - 18"
(25cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ (Western Arborvitae)
Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ (Western Arborvitae)
Thuja plicata Spring Grove® (Western Arborvitae)
Thuja orientalis (Oriental Arborvitae)
Thuja orientalis ‘Nana Aurea’ (Oriental Arborvitae)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Tiny Tim’ (American Arborvitae)

Recommended Companion Plants

Sedum (Stonecrop)
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
Azalea and Rhododendron

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Small Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Appeal
Thuja (Arborvitae)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Conifers, Shrubs
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Thuja
Common names American Arborvitae, Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, Eastern White Cedar
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 10" - 18"
(25cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Thuja (Arborvitae)
Guides with
Thuja (Arborvitae)
Not sure which Thuja (Arborvitae) to pick?
Compare Now

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